By Sharon Chimenya
FOUR daring suspected drug peddlers were arrested by police last week after they were found with US$25 000 worth of drugs stashed in a hearse travelling from South Africa.
Masvingo police spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa, confirmed the arrest of Charles Bhebhe (30) of Lobengula West, Bulawayo; Neverson Nhamo (39) of Woodlands, Gweru; Siphelani Nkiwane (42), Chief Mazetese, Mwenezi; and James Sibanda (23), Dulivadzimu, Beitbridge.
The four were arrested by the anti-smuggling team which was manning a roadblock at Runde and the suspects allegedly produced a fake burial order.
“On March 6 around 7pm an anti-smuggling team which was manning a roadblock at Runde stopped the suspects who were driving a vehicle with a trailer with Clairmont Funeral Parlour stickers. The team proceeded to search the vehicle and the trailer.”
They recovered 50 boxes of Bernylin syrup, 2400x100ml, 45 boxes Broncleer, 2250x100ml, 16 boxes Astrapain cough syrup 480x100ml and two boxes Salterpyn cough syrup 100x100ml.
The recovered consignment is worth US$25 000.
In a separate incident, the police arrested Speakmore Mhonda (39) and Limbikani Mwanandi (36) for unlawful possession of 200kg of dagga with a street value of US$22 000.
“On March 8 around 12 pm the police received information that a bus coming from South Africa going to Malawi was stashed with dagga. Our detectives carried surveillance and found the bus parked at an open space along the Masvingo-Mbalabala.”
“At around 1am on March 9 Mhonda arrived with a Nissan NV350 and started to offload the bus with Mwanandi. The two were intercepted by the detectives and the car was searched.”
Inspector Dhewa commended the members of the public for providing information to the police and has assured them they will continue working on those tip-offs.
New Ziana